asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of repeated demands made to have the old age pension rate increased, he is now prepared to grant an increased weekly sum to old age pensioners; and whether it is his intention to modify the operation of the means test in view of the hardships inflicted on deserving pensioners by the continuance of this outdated regulation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
I have nothing to add to the statement I made in the Dáil on the 6th and 8th March last on a motion on this subject.
Is the Minister aware that old age pensioners, the weakest and poorest section of the community, are suffering considerable hardship and injustice, due firstly to the smallness of the allowance granted and secondly the operation of the means test? Does the Minister not think it right and proper that he should consider granting an increase to this section of the community, seeing that, across the Border, the same class of people have got a considerable increase within the past month? Has the Minister anything to say with regard to that?
In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply given to me by the Minister and his failure to reply to my supplementary questions, I propose with the permission of the Chair to raise this question on the Adjournment this evening.
I will consider that.